Early Childhood educational research is a constantly evolving field. This book brings together Cathy Nutbrown's considerable knowledge and expertise in the field, to deliver a comprehensive and critical overview of national and international research. The strengths of various types of research, and their influence on theory, policy and practice, are identified along with new and emerging research areas, and anticipated future topics and patterns of research.
Through an analytical discussion of research topics addressing Children, Adults and Pedagogy, these key areas are highlighted:
- Issues in research design
- Types of and trends in methodological approaches
- The ethics of research
With digestible chapter introductions, thinking points and suggestions for research or dissertation topics, readers are also able to locate their own work in an international landscape. This is the perfect 'go to' resource for all early childhood education and social science researchers.
Cathy Nutbrown will be discussing ideas from Early Childhood Educational Research in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.
Industry Reviews
Morphing between historical reviews and contemporary reports, Cathy examines policy shifts and their impact. Cleverly pepper and salting research, she recursively introduces themes and research questions. As a wise stateswoman who has seen it all before, Cathy reflects on the making of early childhood history, whilst at the same time discussing how it has made her. A must read. -- Marilyn Fleer Few authors have the credentials and discernment to write such an authoritative book. Cathy Nutbrown weaves an insightful narrative - mindful of history and context and respectful of young children and educators - drawing attention to research, which highlights central issues and questions that continue to demand attention and action in Early Childhood Education. -- Sacha Powell This is an invaluable, highly principled book in which Professor Cathy Nutbrown draws on wide, up-to-date research as well as her own experience and reflections as a practitioner, researcher and sharply political being. The work is at once a celebration of all that has been achieved in the field of early childhood and an urgent call for action in order to eradicate inequalities. Each chapter concludes with helpful suggestions of research questions and how these might be approached. -- Sarah Cousins Once again Cathy Nutbrown places the lives and experiences of young children at the heart of her work. Reflecting on the research focuses, in England and internationally, Nutbrown offers a 360 degrees view of the state of early childhood education and care. The three aspects of children, the role of the adults and learning and teaching are explored in depth and, as you would expect, the golden thread of children's rights and social justice is evident throughout the book. Cathy Nutbrown draws on her many years of experience to offer a unique perspective of what the research says about early childhood education and care today and identifies where further research is needed. A thought-provoking, motivating and excellent read. -- Helen Perkins
